Lufthansa's board yesterday approved orders for 20 747-8 Intercontinentals--the first of the variant to be sold by Boeing--plus 20 options and seven A340-600s, a total investment in long-haul planes valued at nearly $7 billion.

Pratt & Whitney said yesterday that VP-Operational Commercial Engines Jon Beatty will become the new president of the International Aero Engines consortium succeeding Mark King, who will return to Rolls-Royce in a senior leadership position. "Beatty's leadership in Pratt & Whitney's Commercial Engines organization has been exemplary and I am very confident that IAE and V2500 customers will benefit from his experience," P&W Commercial Engines President Todd Kallman said. P&W VP-Sales, Marketing and Customer Support Mike Field will replace Beatty.

Continental Airlines converted 12 737NG orders to orders for the 737-900ER, raising its firm commitment for the new variant to 24. It has 60 737s on order with an option to convert more to the dash 900ER, which can fly up to 3,200 nm., or 500 nm. farther than the dash 900. It made the initial 12-aircraft conversion four months ago, becoming the first US carrier to order the type (ATWOnline, Aug. 4).

International Aero Engines announced that Sichuan Airlines selected the V2500 to power two A319s and four A321s. Sichuan also became the Chinese launch customer for the V2500 Select aftermarket program, which will cover the new orders as well as 14 additional A320 family aircraft. IAE said the deal is worth more than $370 million.

Kingfisher Airlines took delivery of four IAE-powered A321s. It currently operates 10 A320s and three A319s and will be the first Indian carrier to operate the A321.

Boeing sold a combined three 787s, plus two options, yesterday to Arkia Israeli Airlines parent Nakash Group of America and business aviation firm PrviatAir of Switzerland. Nakash's order for two dash 9s and two options is worth $336 million at list prices and scheduled for delivery in 2012. It did not announce an engine choice for the aircraft, which will be used on routes to North America and the Far East. Arkia operates one 757-200, two 757-300s, four ATR 72-500s and five Dash 7s. PrivatAir's order had been listed on Boeing's website under an unidentified BBJ customer.

Airbus maintained this week that the A380 is on track for certification this month and entry into service late next year, while insisting it will continue developing the freighter version despite the fact that it has just one customer.

JetBlue Airways reduced by 32 the number of firm Embraer 190 aircraft it will take from 2007 through 2010 in order to "manage capacity growth while retaining maximum flexibility," it said yesterday. It also said it anticipates 14%-17% ASM growth in 2007 rather than its originally forecast 18%-20%. Under a revised schedule announced Monday, the LCC will take 10 E-190s per year over the next four years instead of 18 per year. However, it added options for 23 during the period, up from zero.